Taking the Scary Out of Candle Making

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On behalf of Candlewic we would like to take this time and wish everyone an early HAPPY HALLOWEEN. Like some of the scary movies people watch this time of year they sometimes have the same experience when learning to make candles the first time. The terms used, how to choose the correct product and (if they get to it) how sell their candles, it can be a scary process.

Candlewic is here to help

We at Candlewic are here to help make the experience easier and enjoyable. If you are not familiar with resources available to help you out in this process be sure to check out this issue.

If you are an avid reader of our Enlightner you know that we cover a wide range of topics on candle making including making, marketing and selling candles. All issues for the last 8+ years can be found at the direct link below: http://www.candlewic.com/newsletters.asp

From the beginning many of us have had to learn many of the key words to help even understand the process. In this issue we identify some of the candle making vocabulary. Our October 2008 En-Light-ener had many of the standard terms as well.

Additive- Most paraffin waxes can hold limited amounts of fragrance. An additive used in the wax will help the wax hold more fragrance, harden the wax and or add vibrancy to the color. Some of the
more popular additives include Vybar, Stearic and Micro.

Vybar - Vybar is a patented additive that is probably the most widely used and effective product in the market. A small percent of even 1-2% is extremely effective.

Vegetable Wax - Is a term commonly used for the natural waxes that are grown such as Soy and Palm.

NST 2 TREATMENT - Many of the natural waxes have a high acid level which can impact the burning properties of many of the wicks. The RRD series wicks have this special treatment to allow it to perform properly in natural waxes.

POLAR/NON-POLAR - These phrases only apply when making gel candles. In order to be safe when using the referenced products a fragrance must be non-polar. In general, non-polar fragrance means it will be compatible to the gel that it is going into. A polar fragrance can bleed out of the gel causing a safety concern when the candle is burned. If making paraffin candles this terminology is not necessary.

CORED WICK - This is any wick that has zinc, paper or cotton in the middle to provide additional rigidity to the wick. Wicks such as flat braided, square braided and round wicks do not have any type of core.

Palm Wax - Is a hydrogenated Palm oil generally found in Malaysia. This is a natural
wax suitable for use in pillars and containers.

Triple Scented Candle - This is a marketing phrase that some candle
companies use to enhance the image on the amount of scent added to the
candle.

Sustainer Base - Sustainer bases are the metal wick base that holds the wick. These are identified by their size: i.e. 20mm x 3mm.
The first number is the diameter in millimeters.
The second number is the height of the "neck" part holding wick upright.

Granulated Wax- Granulated wax is generally pre-colored and in a small bead form about the size of a bb. This is a great crafting wax.

What is the difference between the melting point of the wax and the pouring temperature?

In general, waxes are identified and sold by melt point of the wax. This is the temperature at which the wax should go from a solid form to a liquid form. It is generally recommended that each type of candle use a different melt point.

The pouring temperature is the temperature the wax should be heated to pour the candles. This will vary depending on the type of candle and finish. In general a minimum of 20°F over the melt point should be used. Soy waxes, blends and palms vary depending on which wax it is. Consult your supplier on the best pouring temperature for these particular types of waxes.

Step 1
Place wick in ball mold.
Melt wax and add peppermint
scent to wax as desired. Pour your
candle. Allow candle to cool and then re-fill depression
in the center of the candle. Cool
completely and remove finished
candle from mold.

Step 2
Add peppermint scent
and 1 teaspoon (5 ml) of glitter
to 1 to 2 cups (250-500 ml) of
melted paraffin wax and stir.
Place melted paraffin in a deep
bowl. Cool wax until a thin skin
forms over the surface of the wax. Then, using an electric mixer or
egg beater, whip melted wax until
it becomes light and fluffy.

Step 3
Now, you must work
QUICKLY. The whipped wax will
cool quickly and become hard and
unmanageable. Apply the whipped
wax to the outside of the ball
candle with a fork. Cover the
whole candle in this manner,
holding the candle by the wick so
that you can work on the entire
candle at once.

Be careful! The wax
can still be quite hot at the
beginning of this process. If wax
becomes too cool to work with,
reheat and whip again.

Think Big Candle and Soap Makers

In addition to Procter and Gamble starting out making candles before growing into one of the largest consumer product companies in the world the below companies can trace their origins to candles and/or soaps

Colgate - The hygienic products company got its start in 1806, but it didn't make its first toothpaste until 1873. Founder William Colgate initially manufactured soap, candles, and starch. It is now a $15.329
billion company.

Wrigley - William Wrigley started selling soap and starch and gave away his gum as an incentive to his customers. The customers ended up only wanting the gum. It is now a $5.389 billion company.Source for above

In addition the below companies have had direct interest in candles and soaps.

Eberhard Anheuser was a soap and candle maker but also happened to be the father-in-law of Adolphus Busch, the founder of the Anheuser-Busch Company.
(Source Wikiapedia)

Related News

It is hard to believe the year is coming to a close. We hope that everyone has a safe and happy holiday season and we look forward to working with everyone in 2010. I don't know about you but I just got used to writing 2009 on my checks. The staff and I wish to thank everyone for their business in 2009 and truly look forward to working with you in 2010. As many may know this will be our 38th year in business and we enjoy every moment and we have many exciting things planned in the upcoming year.

With Thanksgiving right around the corner using a turkey reference only seems appropriate. In full disclosure I must state that I have never cooked a turkey but have watched and read about the different techniques available. While doing the research I came across this website. I found it very interesting that, yes, candle making shares many similarities to cooking a turkey. Before you laugh to hard, I encourage you to read our newsletter and the referenced website and, by the end (I hope) you have a wonderful candle and a HAPPY THANKSGIVING and not be on a "Wild Turkey Hunt".

Hard to believe summer is weeks behind us and for many it seemed like there never really was a summer and before we knew it everyone was talking about “Back to School”. The good news with summer being over is the holiday buying season is rapidly approaching. This past summer was tough for many retailers but there was some encouraging news that retail did grow a modest 1.1% for the month of August.